Italy Travel Tips

Italys great food, beautiful countryside, fabulous wine, and long history make it an
excellent country to visit. No life is complete without a trip to Italy. I fall in love with it
every time I visit. I love the vineyards in Florence, the ancient streets in Rome, the laid
back nature of Southern Italy, the gorgeous Cinque Terre, and romantic Venice. Italy
leaves no one underwhelmed. Theres so much to do in Italy that it would take a lifetime
to finish. Dont rush it in just one visit. Italy is best seen slowly - just like the attitude of
the country. Relax, take in the scenery, and enjoy a latte.
Typical Costs
Accommodation: Accommodation in Italy isnt cheap. Hostels are quite expensive
with dorm rooms ranging from $20-40 per night. Private rooms cost around $75-100
USD per night. A budget hotel will set you back $80 USD or more for a double
room. The good news is that the further south you go the cheaper the prices get.
Expect the lower range for hostel prices and hotels for $60 USD from Rome south.
There are some cheap hotels in the country but they are tough to find.
Food: Its easy to have a great (and expensive) Italian meal here but its also easy
to eat for less than $15 USD a day. Most restaurant meals with wine will cost
around $25 USD per person. In tourist hot spots, add about $10 USD to that. Quick
eats like pizza slices, paninis, and light snacks will cost $3-4 USD. Fast food (i.e.
McDonalds) will cost $10 USD for a value meal. At all restaurants, add $3 for the
coperta (sit down fee). Cooking your own food here will set you back about $50-60
per week.
Transportation: The best way to get around Italy is via their extensive train
network. Fast trains (Eurostar) cost between $40-70 per trip. The slower regional
trains cost between $7-25 USD per trip. (Take them!) Public transport is reasonably
priced with most buses and subways costing $2 USD for a single ticket. For long
distances when you are short on time, Ryanair and EasyJet have cheap flights
throughout the country.
Activities: Most attractions and museums in Italy cost around $15-20 to enter.
Wine tours will cost around $65-80.
Money Saving Tips
Pass on the bread Restaurants will charge you extra for bread but not tell you
about it when they give it you. Send it back if you dont want to pay for it.
Drink the tap water Ask for tap water or you will get bottled water and have to
pay for that too. Moreover, you can refill your bottles of water at any of the drinking
fountains throughout Italy. The water is fine to drink.
Buy lots of wine You can buy a great bottle of wine for $4. Its a lot cheaper than
drinking at the bar.
Eat a panini - Eating out in the popular cities of Italy is an expensive affair. Buy
paninis and pizza for just a few Euro and save a lot of money.
Couchsurf - Accommodation is quite expensive in Italy, even in the hostels. Use
Couchsurfing and stay with locals who have extra beds and couches for free. I use
the service a lot and find it not only saves me money but I meet great people too.
Top Things to Do
See the Venice Carnival Ten days and nights of masquerade madness in
February before Lent. Its the Italian version of Carnival! This tradition goes back
centuries and is one of the biggest parties and festivals in Italy. If you have the
funds, you can even pay to attend a traditional masquerade ball.
Explore Venice Besides Carnival, Venice is just a great place to visit. While not
the cheapest destination in Italy, Venice is great to see canals, experience a
gondola ride, and have an amazing romantic candlelight dinner. Head to the old
Jewish Ghetto for hip bars and cheap drinks.
Wander through Pompeii Pompeii is the ancient city that was destroyed by a
volcano but persevered by a blanket of ash. Walk around the city as it stood the day
the volcano exploded, moving in and out of homes and businesses where pots and
vases still lay. Most of the beautiful frescoes are still there with their beautiful colors.
Its a full-day activity.
Discover Rome The city of Rome is a wonderful place of small streets and
history. Youll be able to visit Roman ruins here more than you can see in one trip.
Make sure you explore the Trastevere area, west of the river. Its my favorite place
in Rome and it offers cheap food, great little bars, and tiny winding streets few
tourists venture to.
Visit Siena Everyone always says I looooove Siena and with good reason. Its
one of the best preserved medieval cities in Italy and has a labyrinth of lanes
gathered around the arena of Piazza del Campo (where, during the summer, they
have horses racing).
Hike the Cinque Terre Five dramatically located villages on the wesr coast of
Italy, backed by steep vineyards and mountains. Its heaven here. I ended up
staying a week because it was so beautiful. There are great hikes that range in
difficulty. The towns offer excellent food and great local wine. Manarola has
amazing seafood. This beautiful area lives up to all the hype.
Explore the Amalfi Coast The southern cousin to the Cinque Terre, the Amalfi
coast is much less visited but equally as beautiful (some say more). Youll find great
hillside towns, beautiful beaches, and azure blue water in which to cool off.
Relax on the Lakes The beautiful lakes up north (like Lake Como) are the
summer playground for Italians, the rich, and George Clooney. Come up here, play
in the lakes, see beautiful villas, and hike in the countryside.
Explore Florence Its Florence. Theres no real need to explain why to go here.
Everything people say about it is true. Great food, amazing museums, ancient
buildings, small streets, and awesome gelato. While here, make sure you take a
few wine tours throughout the Tuscan region to get a feel for the countryside.
Drive around the Heel No one ever goes to the southern heel of the Italian
boot. But if you have time, make it down here. This is where most of the fruits and
vegetables in Italy come from. A trip down here will give you the best glimpse into
rustic Italian life.
Eat in Sicily Sicily is famous for its mafia but theres more to the island than
mobsters. It has its own unique cooking style, amazing coastal beaches that stay
warm in the summer months, friendly little Italian grandmas, and extensive wineries.
Attend Settimana Santa This is the last week of lent known as Holy Week.
During this time, there are several processions throughout Italy, drawing crowds of
thousands. Throughout the week, there are various gatherings in Puglia, Abruzzo,
and Sicily but the major event occurs on Easter Sunday, and is led by the pope.
Visit Alberobello A Unesco World Heritage Site, this is an interesting and
picturesque little town, which is well worth a visit between the months of November
and April (to avoid the flocks and gaggles of tourists). There are a couple of
museums to peruse through, in addition to some great restaurants, bars, and
markets.
Admire the Vatican Museums If you have the patience to wait through the lines
and your desire is strong enough, this is one of the most grandeur collections to see
while in Rome. Founded in the early 16th century, it is a complex of museums on
over five hectares of land. There are so many priceless highlights, you could spend
hours just looking at them and glazing over the thousands of other pieces.
Enter Chiesa di SantEfisio When you find yourself in Cagliari, you should
probably wander over to the Stampace quarter to see this church. Dedicated to the
patron Saint Ephisius, this is the most important church in the city and it was
actually built over the saints prison site.

Etiquette & Customs in Italy

Meeting Etiquette


Greetings are enthusiastic yet rather formal.
The usual handshake with direct eye contact and a smile suffices between strangers.
Once a relationship develops, air-kissing on both cheeks, starting with the left is often
added as well as a pat on the back between men.
Wait until invited to move to a first name basis.
Italians are guided by first impressions, so it is important that you demonstrate
propriety and respect when greeting people, especially when meeting them for the
first time.
Many Italians use calling cards in social situations. These are slightly larger than
traditional business cards and include the person's name, address, title or academic
honours, and their telephone number.
If you are staying in Italy for an extended period of time, it is a good idea to have
calling cards made. Never give your business card in lieu of a calling card in a social
situation.

Gift Giving Etiquette

Do not give chrysanthemums as they are used at funerals.
Do not give red flowers as they indicate secrecy.
Do not give yellow flowers as they indicate jealousy
If you bring wine, make sure it is a good vintage. Quality, rather than quantity, is
important.
Do not wrap gifts in black, as is traditionally a mourning colour.
Do not wrap gifts in purple, as it is a symbol of bad luck.
Gifts are usually opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If invited to an Italian house:

If an invitation says the dress is informal, wear stylish clothes that are still rather formal,
i.e., jacket and tie for men and an elegant dress for women.
Punctuality is not mandatory. You may arrive between 15 minutes late if invited to
dinner and up to 30 minutes late if invited to a party.
If you are invited to a meal, bring gift-wrapped such as wine or chocolates.
If you are invited for dinner and want to send flowers, have them delivered that day.

Table manners
Remain standing until invited to sit down. You may be shown to a particular seat.
Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the
right while eating.
Follow the lead of the hostess - she sits at the table first, starts eating first, and is the
first to get up at the end of the meal.
The host gives the first toast.
An honoured guest should return the toast later in the meal.
Women may offer a toast.
Always take a small amount at first so you can be cajoled into accepting a second
helping.
Do not keep your hands in your lap during the meal; however, do not rest your elbows
on the table either.
It is acceptable to leave a small amount of food on your plate.
Pick up cheese with your knife rather than your fingers.
If you do not want more wine, leave your wine glass nearly full.















German Society & Culture
A Planning Culture
In many respects, Germans can be considered the masters of planning.
This is a culture that prizes forward thinking and knowing what they will be doing at a specific
time on a specific day.
Careful planning, in one's business and personal life, provides a sense of security.
Rules and regulations allow people to know what is expected and plan their life accordingly.
Once the proper way to perform a task is discovered, there is no need to think of doing it any
other way.
Germans believe that maintaining clear lines of demarcation between people, places, and
things is the surest way to lead a structured and ordered life.
Work and personal lives are rigidly divided.
There is a proper time for every activity. When the business day ends, you are expected to
leave the office. If you must remain after normal closing, it indicates that you did not plan your
day properly

The German Home

Germans take great pride in their homes.
They are kept neat and tidy at all times, with everything in its appointed place.
In a culture where most communication is rather formal, the home is the place where one can
relax and allow your individualism to shine.
Only close friends and relatives are invited into the sanctity of the house, so it is the one
place where more informal communication may occur.
There are many unwritten rules surrounding the outward maintenance of one's home.
It is imperative that common areas such as sidewalks, pavements, corridors (in apartments),
and steps be kept clean at all times.


Meeting Etiquette


Greetings are formal.
A quick, firm handshake is the traditional greeting.
Titles are very important and denote respect. Use a person's title and their surname until
invited to use their first name. You should say Herr or Frau and the person's title and their
surname.
In general, wait for your host or hostess to introduce you to a group.
When entering a room, shake hands with everyone individually, including children.

Gift Giving Etiquette

If you are invited to a German's house, bring a gift such as chocolates or flowers.
Yellow roses or tea roses are always well received.
Do not give red roses as they symbolize romantic intentions.
Do not give carnations as they symbolize mourning.
Do not give lilies or chrysanthemums as they are used at funerals.
If you bring wine, it should be imported, French or Italian. Giving German wines is viewed as
meaning you do not think the host will serve a good quality wine.
Gifts are usually opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to a German's house:

Arrive on time as punctuality indicates proper planning. Never arrive early.
Never arrive more than 15 minutes later than invited without telephoning to explain you have
been detained.
Send a handwritten thank you note the following day to thank your hostess for her hospitality.

Table manners

Remain standing until invited to sit down. You may be shown to a particular seat.
Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right
while eating.
Do not begin eating until the hostess starts or someone says 'guten appetit' (good appetite).
At a large dinner party, wait for the hostess to place her napkin in her lap before doing so
yourself.
Do not rest your elbows on the table.
Do not cut lettuce in a salad. Fold it using your knife and fork.
Cut as much of your food with your fork as possible, since this compliments the cook by
indicating the food is tender.
Finish everything on your plate.
Rolls should be broken apart by hand.
Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel across the right side of
your plate, with the fork over the knife.
The host gives the first toast.
An honoured guest should return the toast later in the meal.
The most common toast with wine is 'Zum Wohl!' ('good health').
The most common toast with beer is 'Prost!' ('good health').

Business Etiquette and Protocol in
Germany

Relationships & Communications

Germans do not need a personal relationship in order to do business.
They will be interested in your academic credentials and the amount of time your company
has been in business.
Germans display great deference to people in authority, so it is imperative that they
understand your level relative to their own.
Germans do not have an open-door policy. People often work with their office door closed.
Knock and wait to be invited in before entering.
German communication is formal.
Following the established protocol is critical to building and maintaining business
relationships.
As a group, Germans are suspicious of hyperbole, promises that sound too good to be true,
or displays of emotion.
Germans will be direct to the point of bluntness.
Expect a great deal of written communication, both to back up decisions and to maintain a
record of decisions and discussions.

Business Meeting Etiquette


Appointments are mandatory and should be made 1 to 2 weeks in advance.
Letters should be addressed to the top person in the functional area, including the person's
name as well as their proper business title.
If you write to schedule an appointment, the letter should be written in German.
Punctuality is taken extremely seriously. If you expect to be delayed, telephone immediately
and offer an explanation. It is extremely rude to cancel a meeting at the last minute and it
could jeopardize your business relationship.
Meetings are generally formal.
Initial meetings are used to get to know each other. They allow your German colleagues to
determine if you are trustworthy.
Meetings adhere to strict agendas, including starting and ending times.
Maintain direct eye contact while speaking.
Although English may be spoken, it is a good idea to hire an interpreter so as to avoid any
misunderstandings.
At the end of a meeting, some Germans signal their approval by rapping their knuckles on the
tabletop.
There is a strict protocol to follow when entering a room:
The eldest or highest ranking person enters the room first.
Men enter before women, if their age and status are roughly equivalent.

Business Negotiation

Do not sit until invited and told where to sit. There is a rigid protocol to be followed.
Meetings adhere to strict agendas, including starting and ending times.
Treat the process with the formality that it deserves.
Germany is heavily regulated and extremely bureaucratic.
Germans prefer to get down to business and only engage in the briefest of small talk. They
will be interested in your credentials.
Make sure your printed material is available in both English and German.
Contracts are strictly followed.
You must be patient and not appear ruffled by the strict adherence to protocol. Germans are
detail- oriented and want to understand every innuendo before coming to an agreement.
Business is hierarchical. Decision-making is held at the top of the company.
Final decisions are translated into rigorous, comprehensive action steps that you can expect
will be carried out to the letter.
Avoid confrontational behaviour or high- pressure tactics. It can be counterproductive.
Once a decision is made, it will not be changed.

Dress Etiquette
Business dress is understated, formal and conservative.
Men should wear dark coloured, conservative business suits.
Women should wear either business suits or conservative dresses.
Do not wear ostentatious jewellery or accessories.






Chinese Etiquette and Customs

Meeting Etiquette


Greetings are formal and the oldest person is always greeted first.
Handshakes are the most common form of greeting with foreigners.
Many Chinese will look towards the ground when greeting someone.
Address the person by an honorific title and their surname. If they want to move to a first-
name basis, they will advise you which name to use.
The Chinese have a terrific sense of humour. They can laugh at themselves most readily if
they have a comfortable relationship with the other person. Be ready to laugh at yourself
given the proper circumstances.

Gift Giving Etiquette

In general, gifts are given at Chinese New Year, weddings, births and more recently (because of
marketing), birthdays.


The Chinese like food and a nice food basket will make a great gift.
Do not give scissors, knives or other cutting utensils as they indicate the severing of the
relationship.
Do not give clocks, handkerchiefs or straw sandals as they are associated with funerals and
death.
Do not give flowers, as many Chinese associate these with funerals.
Do not wrap gifts in white, blue or black paper.
Four is an unlucky number so do not give four of anything. Eight is the luckiest number, so
giving eight of something brings luck to the recipient.
Always present gifts with two hands.
Gifts are not opened when received.
Gifts may be refused three times before they are accepted.

Dining Etiquette


The Chinese prefer to entertain in public places rather than in their homes, especially when
entertaining foreigners.
If you are invited to their house, consider it a great honour. If you must turn down such an
honour, it is considered polite to explain the conflict in your schedule so that your actions are
not taken as a slight.
Arrive on time.
Remove your shoes before entering the house.
Bring a small gift to the hostess.
Eat well to demonstrate that you are enjoying the food!

Table manners:

Learn to use chopsticks.
Wait to be told where to sit. The guest of honour will be given a seat facing the door.
The host begins eating first.
You should try everything that is offered to you.
Never eat the last piece from the serving tray.
Be observant to other peoples' needs.
Chopsticks should be returned to the chopstick rest after every few bites and when you drink
or stop to speak.
The host offers the first toast.
Do not put bones in your bowl. Place them on the table or in a special bowl for that purpose.
Hold the rice bowl close to your mouth while eating.
Do not be offended if a Chinese person makes slurping or belching sounds; it merely
indicates that they are enjoying their food.
There are no strict rules about finishing all the food in your bowl.

Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is becoming more commonplace, especially with younger workers
although older workers still consider it an insult. Leaving a few coins is usually sufficient.




Business Etiquette and Protocol in
China
Relationships & Communication
The Chinese don't like doing business with companies they don't know, so working through
an intermediary is crucial. This could be an individual or an organization who can make a
formal introduction and vouch for the reliability of your company.
Before arriving in China send materials (written in Chinese) that describe your company, its
history, and literature about your products and services. The Chinese often use
intermediaries to ask questions that they would prefer not to make directly.
Business relationships are built formally after the Chinese get to know you.
Be very patient. It takes a considerable amount of time and is bound up with enormous
bureaucracy.
The Chinese see foreigners as representatives of their company rather than as individuals.
Rank is extremely important in business relationships and you must keep rank differences in
mind when communicating.
Gender bias is nonexistent in business.
Never lose sight of the fact that communication is official, especially in dealing with someone
of higher rank. Treating them too informally, especially in front of their peers, may well ruin a
potential deal.
The Chinese prefer face-to-face meetings rather than written or telephonic communication.
Meals and social events are not the place for business discussions. There is a demarcation
between business and socializing in China, so try to be careful not to intertwine the two.

Business Meeting Etiquette
Appointments are necessary and, if possible, should be made between one-to-two months in
advance, preferably in writing.
If you do not have a contact within the company, use an intermediary to arrange a formal
introduction. Once the introduction has been made, you should provide the company with
information about your company and what you want to accomplish at the meeting.
You should arrive at meetings on time or slightly early. The Chinese view punctuality as a
virtue. Arriving late is an insult and could negatively affect your relationship
Pay great attention to the agenda as each Chinese participant has his or her own agenda that
they will attempt to introduce.
Send an agenda before the meeting so your Chinese colleagues have the chance to meet
with any technical experts prior to the meeting. Discuss the agenda with your
translator/intermediary prior to submission.
Each participant will take an opportunity to dominate the floor for lengthy periods without
appearing to say very much of anything that actually contributes to the meeting. Be patient
and listen. There could be subtle messages being transmitted that would assist you in
allaying fears of on-going association.
Meetings require patience. Mobile phones ring frequently and conversations tend to be
boisterous. Never ask the Chinese to turn off their mobile phones as this causes you both to
lose face.
Guests are generally escorted to their seats, which are in descending order of rank. Senior
people generally sit opposite senior people from the other side.
It is imperative that you bring your own interpreter, especially if you plan to discuss legal or
extremely technical concepts as you can brief the interpreter prior to the meeting.
Written material should be available in both English and Chinese, using simplified characters.
Be very careful about what is written. Make absolutely certain that written translations are
accurate and cannot be misinterpreted.
Visual aids are useful in large meetings and should only be done with black type on white
background. Colours have special meanings and if you are not careful, your colour choice
could work against you.
Presentations should be detailed and factual and focus on long-term benefits. Be prepared
for the presentation to be a challenge.

Business Negotiation
Only senior members of the negotiating team will speak. Designate the most senior person in
your group as your spokesman for the introductory functions.
Business negotiations occur at a slow pace.
Be prepared for the agenda to become a jumping off point for other discussions.
Chinese are non-confrontational. They will not overtly say 'no', they will say 'they will think
about it' or 'they will see'.
Chinese negotiations are process oriented. They want to determine if relationships can
develop to a stage where both parties are comfortable doing business with the other.
Decisions may take a long time, as they require careful review and consideration.
Under no circumstances should you lose your temper or you will lose face and irrevocably
damage your relationship.
Do not use high-pressure tactics. You might find yourself outmanoeuvred.
Business is hierarchical. Decisions are unlikely to be made during the meetings you attend.
The Chinese are shrewd negotiators.
Your starting price should leave room for negotiation.



What to Wear?

Business attire is conservative and unpretentious.
Men should wear dark coloured, conservative business suits.
Women should wear conservative business suits or dresses with a high neckline.
Women should wear flat shoes or shoes with very low heels.
Bright colours should be avoided.

Business Cards
Business cards are exchanged after the initial introduction.
Have one side of your business card translated into Chinese using simplified Chinese
characters that are printed in gold ink since gold is an auspicious colour.
Your business card should include your title. If your company is the oldest or largest in your
country, that fact should be on your card as well.
Hold the card in both hands when offering it, Chinese side facing the recipient.
Examine a business card before putting it on the table next to you or in a business card case.
Never write on someone's card unless so directed.














Etiquette and Customs in India

Meeting Etiquette
Religion, education and social class all influence greetings in India.
This is a hierarchical culture, so greet the eldest or most senior person first.
When leaving a group, each person must be bid farewell individually.
Shaking hands is common, especially in the large cities among the more educated
who are accustomed to dealing with westerners.
Men may shake hands with other men and women may shake hands with other
women; however there are seldom handshakes between men and women because of
religious beliefs. If you are uncertain, wait for them to extend their hand.

Naming Conventions

Indian names vary based upon religion, social class, and region of the country. The
following are some basic guidelines to understanding the naming conventions, although
you will always find exceptions to rules:

Hindus:

In the north, many people have both a given name and a surname.
In the south, surnames are less common and a person generally uses the initial of
their father's name in front of their own name.
The man's formal name is their name "s/o" (son of) and the father's name. Women
use "d/o" to refer to themselves as the daughter of their father.
At marriage, women drop their father's name and use their first name with their
husband's first name as a sort of surname.

Muslims:

Many Muslims do not have surnames. Instead, men add the father's name to their
own name with the connector 'bin'. So, Abdullah bin Ahmed is Abdullah the son of
Ahmad.
Women use the connector 'binti'.
The title Hajji (m) or Hajjah (f) before the name indicates the person has made their
pilgrimage to Mecca.

Sikhs:

Sikhs all use the name Singh. It is either adopted as a surname or as a connector
name to the surname.

Gift Giving Etiquette
Indians believe that giving gifts eases the transition into the next life.
Gifts of cash are given to friends and members of the extended family to celebrate life
events such as birth, death and marriage.
It is not the value of the gift, but the sincerity with which it is given, that is important to
the recipient.
If invited to an Indian's home for a meal, it is not necessary to bring a gift, although
one will not be turned down.
Do not give frangipani or white flowers as they are used at funerals.
Yellow, green and red are lucky colours, so try to use them to wrap gifts.
A gift from a man should be said to come from both he and his wife/mother/sister or
some other female relative.
Hindus should not be given gifts made of leather.
Muslims should not be given gifts made of pigskin or alcoholic products.
Gifts are not opened when received.

Dining Etiquette
Indians entertain in their homes, restaurants, private clubs, or other public venues,
depending upon the occasion and circumstances.
Although Indians are not always punctual themselves, they expect foreigners to arrive
close to the appointed time.
Take off your shoes before entering the house.
Dress modestly and conservatively.
Politely turn down the first offer of tea, coffee, or snacks. You will be asked again and
again. Saying no to the first invitation is part of the protocol.

There are diverse dietary restrictions in India, and these may affect the foods that are
served:


Hindus do not eat beef and many are vegetarians.
Muslims do not eat pork or drink alcohol.
Sikhs do not eat beef.
Lamb, chicken, and fish are the most commonly served main courses for non-
vegetarian meals as they avoid the meat restrictions of the religious groups.


Table manners are somewhat formal, but this formality is tempered by the religious
beliefs of the various groups.

Much Indian food is eaten with the fingers.
Wait to be told where to sit.
If utensils are used, they are generally a tablespoon and a fork.
Guests are often served in a particular order: the guest of honour is served first,
followed by the men, and the children are served last. Women typically serve the men
and eat later.
You may be asked to wash your hands before and after sitting down to a meal.
Always use your right hand to eat, whether you are using utensils or your fingers.
In some situations food may be put on your plate for you, while in other situations you
may be allowed to serve yourself from a communal bowl.
Leaving a small amount of food on your plate indicates that you are satisfied.
Finishing all your food means that you are still hungry.

Business Etiquette and Protocol in India
Relationships & Communication
Indians prefer to do business with those they know.
Relationships are built upon mutual trust and respect.
In general, Indians prefer to have long-standing personal relationships prior to doing
business.
It may be a good idea to go through a third party introduction. This gives you
immediate credibility.

Business Meeting Etiquette

If you will be travelling to India from abroad, it is advisable to make appointments by
letter, at least one month and preferably two months in advance.
It is a good idea to confirm your appointment as they do get cancelled at short notice.
The best time for a meeting is late morning or early afternoon. Reconfirm your
meeting the week before and call again that morning, since it is common for meetings
to be cancelled at the last minute.
Keep your schedule flexible so that it can be adjusted for last minute rescheduling of
meetings.
You should arrive at meetings on time since Indians are impressed with punctuality.
Meetings will start with a great deal of getting-to- know-you talk. In fact, it is quite
possible that no business will be discussed at the first meeting.
Always send a detailed agenda in advance. Send back-up materials and charts and
other data as well. This allows everyone to review and become comfortable with the
material prior to the meeting.
Follow up a meeting with an overview of what was discussed and the next steps.

Business Negotiating


Indians are non-confrontational. It is rare for them to overtly disagree, although this is
beginning to change in the managerial ranks.
Decisions are reached by the person with the most authority.
Decision making is a slow process.
If you lose your temper you lose face and prove you are unworthy of respect and
trust.
Delays are to be expected, especially when dealing with the government.
Most Indians expect concessions in both price and terms. It is acceptable to expect
concessions in return for those you grant.
Never appear overly legalistic during negotiations. In general, Indians do not trust the
legal system and someone's word is sufficient to reach an agreement.
Do not disagree publicly with members of your negotiating team.
Successful negotiations are often celebrated by a meal.

Dress Etiquette

Business attire is conservative.
Men should wear dark coloured conservative business suits.
Women should dress conservatively in suits or dresses.
The weather often determines clothing. In the hotter parts of the country, dress is less
formal, although dressing as suggested above for the first meeting will indicate
respect.

Titles

Indians revere titles such as Professor, Doctor and Engineer.
Status is determined by age, university degree, caste and profession.
If someone does not have a professional title, use the honorific title "Sir" or "Madam".
Titles are used with the person's name or the surname, depending upon the person's
name. (See Social Etiquette for more information on Indian naming conventions.)
Wait to be invited before using someone's first name without the title.